Barrows wrote that the 49ers likely have a number of guards targeted in what is sure to be a brisk free-agent signing period. Already, Kelechi Osemele, the top lineman available, has reportedly reached a deal to sign with the Oakland Raiders.

“(The 49ers) are expected to keep tabs on all of the top guards in the market, perhaps bailing to the next one on their list – and so on and so forth – if the price grows too steep,” Barrows wrote.

Other top free-agent guards (in order of rank by Pro Football Focus) are Richie Incognito (Bills), Evan Mathis (Broncos), Jeff Allen (Chiefs) and Ramon Foster (Steelers).